I have been thinking about the way WoW has developed over the years with the introduction of new classes.
I know this was already attempted in Legion, but I think the concept of the Rogue class needs to be revisited.
Currently, Rogues do not feel as they are a completed class. Three separate specs all about “stab.” This is not a real class.
Reforming Combat into Outlaw was a start, but this just put a twist on the stab-based fantasy, it did not turn Rogues into an actual class.
Rogue is not a real class. I would like to see the current entire concept of Rogues collapsed into a single spec, (a stealth based melee fighter that stab thing with point), under a larger and more fleshed out parent class that introduces more variety.
Example (just to paint the picture)
Class “Ranger”
Specs:
1.) Rogue: current rogue specs combined (stealth stab)
2.) Scrapper: ranged dps using an engineer fantasy
3.) [Bard: Something like Augmentation] or a third pure dps spec: 2h barbarian perhaps?
Rogue is the least-played class, and for good reason. It is just stab. All of current rogue-dome fits into a single spec, and then we have two extra slots available for specs that will actually bring something interesting to the game.
Stealth based stab spec heavy on CD management with a bursty profile
Stealth based stab spec based on DOT damage
Stealth based stab spec with high APM, spinning plates and a flatter damage profile
???
Edit: bonus irony posting on a Druid where balance is a generic builder/spender caster, feral is a budget assassination rogue, and guardian is a budget warrior. Right?
I do feel like they’ve removed a lot of the things rogues used to be useful for, like unlocking things and detecting traps. The class fantasy has been getting weaker, while at the same time the role of the rogue has not expanded. Rogues are the only class that is more reduced in scope now than they were when first introduced.
Nice click-bait title It takes patience and a lot of dying the first (used to be 20 levels. Idk now), but this turns some players off. Took me me 3x before I spent a summer with my Assasination rogue. You’re always learning with a rogue - that’s the fun part. It’s just not for everyone.
All classes could use some tweeks to them. Rogue is no different, but it’s definitely a real class!
In your mind, outlaw is an assassin? I’ve always pictured a toe-to-toe fighter that relies on agility and guile rather than rage, magic, discipline, weapons prowess, the elements, shape-shifting, and the fel (I think I got most of it).
You have the same flawed philosophy as Blizzard where you over value the metrics of ‘engagement’ and ‘play time’.
Just because something is niche doesn’t mean its bad. Combo points doesn’t appeal to everyone, nor does the sneaky assassin theme.
I am pretty there are players out there who feel druid is not a real class.
Moonkin) - caster cosplaying as an owlman or disco humanoid that throws out spells
Feral) - someone in a fur coat swatting at enemies, basically using the same combo system as rogue, while rogue has 3 specs to do what you do, but better
resto) - just another take on healers, this time throwing leaves and green circles everywhere
bear) - uses the same rage system as warrior, but pretty much every other tank has a more interesting rotation than you do
It takes patience and a lot of dying the first (used to be 20 levels. Idk now), but this turns some players off. Took me me 3x before I spent a summer with my Assasination rogue. You’re always learning with a rogue - that’s the fun part. It’s just not for everyone.